'14 Season Preview: Cassar ushers in new era for RSL

Sandy, UT (SportsNetwork.com) - For the first time since 2008, Real Salt Lake
will begin the season with someone other than Jason Kreis at the helm.

Real Salt Lake has been the model of consistency in MLS since Kreis took over
for John Ellinger in May 2007, leading the club to an MLS Cup title in 2009 as
well as an appearance in the 2011 CONCACAF Champions League final.

But when the former club captain bolted for the head coaching vacancy at New
York City FC just three days after suffering defeat to Sporting Kansas City in
last season's MLS Cup, the Claret and Cobalt were left with a major void to
fill.

Real Salt Lake opted to promote Jeff Cassar, its longtime goalkeeper coach, to
the position, making the 40-year-old just the third head coach in the club's
nine-year history.

"We're very excited for Jeff to become the third head coach in Real Salt Lake
history," said RSL owner Dell Loy Hansen. "Jeff's been a crucial member of the
RSL Family since 2007. His terrific leadership abilities, strong character and
understanding of our locker room, tactics and overarching club culture will
allow us to continue to compete for trophies in 2014 and beyond."

Cassar will have some big shoes to fill as he replaces a head coach that led
his team to the postseason in each of his six full seasons with the club.

But while this is Cassar's first job as a head coach, he is well-versed in the
Real Salt Lake way. He is familiar with the long-term plan of the club and
understands the importance of the player development standards instituted by
the previous regime.

Cassar also will have a knowledgeable support staff around him consisting of
former RSL midfielder Andy Williams.

Like Cassar, Williams, a longtime RSL midfielder who sits second on the club's
all-time list for most appearances, was promoted in-house, becoming an
assistant coach after serving as head scout for the Claret and Cobalt. He will
be joined by Daryl Shore, Paul Dalglish and Craig Waibel on the RSL bench.

Dalglish, the son of legendary Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish, has gained
valuable management experience through his time with the USL Premier
Development League's Austin Aztex, while Waibel, a longtime MLS defender,
arrives at RSL having spent 2012 as an assistant coach at the University of
Washington.

Real Salt Lake also has the benefit of continuity as there has been very
little turnover to a roster that nearly yielded an MLS Cup title.

There is leadership at the back in goalkeeper Nick Rimando and defenders Nat
Borchers, Chris Schuler and Chris Wingert, but it is central midfielder and
club captain Kyle Beckerman that makes RSL tick. His tireless work rate and
supreme passing ability helps Salt Lake retain possession and spring the
attack for the likes of Javier Morales, Alvaro Saborio and Robbie Findley to
put the opposing defenses under pressure.

And last season, youngsters like Luis Gil (20 years old), Sebastian Velasquez
(22), Devon Sandoval (22) and Carlos Salcedo (20) featured in prominent roles,
so they would figure to improve with another year of experience under their
belts.

But while there is reason for optimism in Salt Lake this season, don't be
surprised to see the club struggle out of the gate. An acclimation period for
Cassar should be expected, and with RSL opening the campaign with road matches
at the Los Angeles Galaxy, San Jose Earthquakes and Kansas City as well as
home tilts against L.A. and a revamped Toronto FC side, the Claret and Cobalt
may find themselves behind the eight ball very early on in the season.

ADDITIONS: Luke Mulholland (M).

LOSSES: Yordany Alvarez (M), Lovel Palmer (M).

OUTLOOK: Real Salt Lake is something of an unknown quantity heading into 2014.
It's a team that made it all the way to MLS Cup, but the argument could be
made that RSL overachieved last season given the prominent role played by
some of the club's budding talent. It should all come down to Cassar and his
ability to keep the ball rolling. If he can maintain some of the momentum from
last season, then RSL will be a contender. If not, the Claret and Cobalt may
miss out on the postseason for the first time since 2007.